# UKRI Translation: STFC Proof of Concept

**Funder:** STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council)
**Budget:** Up to £480k (80% of up to £600k FEC)
**Deadline:** 26 August 2026 (4:00pm UK time. Invitation-only — applicants must have been invited following a successful outline application.)
**Duration:** Minimum 24 months (fixed start 1 April 2027)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: outline application (invitation required) → full proposal by 26 Aug 2026
**TRL:** 5-7
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-translation-stfc-proof-of-concept/
**Last verified:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports technology development from STFC-funded areas (particle physics, astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear/accelerator physics, solar/planetary science, quantum science) at TRL 5–7. Projects must originate from STFC-funded work. Industry partners (especially SMEs) encouraged but not required. Applicants must participate in Innovate UK ICURe Engage and Discover programmes. UK research organisations only; invitation-only at full-proposal stage.

## Summary

The UKRI STFC Translation Proof of Concept funds researchers at UK organisations to commercialise early-stage discoveries from STFC-funded physics and astronomy research, with up to £480,000 available over a minimum of 24 months. The call is invitation-only and open only to researchers whose projects originated within particle physics, astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear/accelerator physics, solar/planetary science, or quantum science, at Technology Readiness Level 5-7. Applicants must participate in the Innovate UK ICURe Engage and Discover programmes.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at UK academic and research organisations with an accepted outline application
- Projects originating from STFC-funded physics, astronomy, astrophysics, nuclear/accelerator physics, solar/planetary science, or quantum science
- Researchers ready to advance technology from laboratory (TRL 5) towards prototype and demonstration stage (TRL 7)
- Teams willing to engage with SME partners and complete Innovate UK ICURe Engage and Discover training

## Key dates

- Outline application deadline to receive invitation: check STFC site for prior round
- Full proposal deadline (invitation-only): 26 August 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Minimum 24-month project duration with fixed start date 1 April 2027

## Tips for applicants

- This is a two-stage, invitation-only call: you must submit and win an outline application before you are invited to submit a full proposal. Plan your outline submission well in advance.
- TRL level is gating: reviewers will assess whether your project genuinely sits at TRL 5-7; projects that are too early-stage (TRL <5) or too mature (TRL >7) will not score well.
- SME engagement is expected but industry cannot be directly funded; use the SME as a named collaborator and describe the commercialisation pathway in your proposal narrative.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I get from the STFC Translation Proof of Concept grant?

Up to £480,000 (80% of up to £600,000 full economic cost) for a project of minimum 24 months.

### Is the STFC Translation Proof of Concept invitation-only?

Yes, applicants must have been invited following a successful outline application. Full proposals are due 26 August 2026.

### What research areas are eligible for the STFC Translation Proof of Concept?

Projects must originate from STFC-funded areas: particle physics, astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear/accelerator physics, solar/planetary science, or quantum science, at TRL 5-7.

### Can I include industry partners in the STFC Translation Proof of Concept?

Industry cannot be directly funded, but SME collaboration is encouraged and partners should be named in the proposal.

### When does the STFC Translation Proof of Concept project start?

Projects have a fixed start date of 1 April 2027.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/stfc-ukri-ukri-translation-stfc-proof-of-concept-2026-08) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).